The best thing next to wit is a consciousness that it is not in us; without wit, a man might then know how to behave himself, so as not to appear to be a fool or a coxcomb.

Friendship * * * is a long time in forming, it is of slow growth, through many trials and months of familiarity.

There are three great events in our lives: birth, life and death. Of birth we have no conscience; with death, we suffer; and, concerning life, we forget to live it.

There are only two ways by which to rise in this world, either by one's own industry or by the stupidity of others.

A man can keep another's secret better than his own. A woman her own better than others.

The noblest deeds are well enough set forth in simple language; emphasis spoils them.

There are only three events in a man's life; birth, life, and death; he is not conscious of being born, he dies in pain, and he forgets to live.